Is Steve Belichick UNC's coach-in-waiting? Contract details, buyout clause for Tar Heels defensive coordinator

Is Steve Belichick UNC's coach-in-waiting? Contract details, buyout clause for Tar Heels defensive coordinator originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

North Carolina Tar Heels football coach Bill Belichick isn't a long-term solution in Chapel Hill. At 73, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach will likely give up his position sooner than later. But who will replace him? Many believe his son, Steve Belichick, was labeled as the coach-in-waiting, but there's no contractual obligation to make that become a reality. 

With UNC off to a 2-3 start, rumors are swirling if Bill Belichick and his $10 million staff could be headed toward the exits in Chapel Hill. Here's a few of the major details in Steve's contract. 

Belichick will earn $1.3 million in 2025 and $1.4 million in 2026, per the terms of his contract provided by UNC athletics. There's also incentives tied into his contract with bonuses for North Carolina’s on-field performance such as bowl appearances and rankings as well as academic progress.

The full contract is guaranteed as UNC must pay out his remaining salary if he is let go. If he leaves to take a new job before Jan. 15, Belichick must pay a buyout equal to 100% of his remaining base salary. If he leaves after Jan. 15, 2026, the buyout is 50% of his remaining base salary.

Here's the rest of Bill Belichick's $10 million assistant coaches salary pool for 2025, per WRAL.

Michael Lombardi (general manager): 3-year, $4.5 million

Steve Belichick (defensive coordinator): $1,300,000

Freddie Kitchens (offensive coordinator/tight ends): $1,150,000

Will Friend (offensive line): $750,000

Moses Cabrera (strength and conditioning): $700,000

Matt Lombardi (quarterbacks): $600,000 

Garrick McGee (wide receivers): $525,000

Bob Diaco (defensive line coach): $575,000 

Brian Belichick (defensive backs/safeties): $500,000

Mike Priefer (special teams coordinator): $400,000

Natrone Means (running backs): $357,000

Armond Hawkins (cornerbacks): $275,000

Billy Miller (special teams assistant): $190,000

Jamie Collins (inside linebackers): $150,000

Ty Nichols (outside linebackers): $124,999

Andrew Blaylock (assistant director of player personnel): $124,999

Caleb Pickrell (offensive assistant): $90,000

UNC will try to get back on track against Cal on Saturday night (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). 

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